FORT PIERCE, Fla. – Misericordia University’s baseball team overcame an early deficit to defeat Manchester University 4-2 on Monday afternoon, as part of their spring training trip in Florida. The comeback victory, fueled by key hits and strong pitching, highlighted a successful day for local collegiate teams competing in the Sunshine State. Meanwhile, Wilkes University also secured a win, defeating Albright College 7-3.
Vin Proietto proved crucial to Misericordia’s offensive effort, delivering two singles and driving in one run. Michael Duda added a strong performance with two hits, including a double and scored a run. Drew Van Horn also contributed with a single and a run scored, helping the Cougars rally after falling behind by two runs in the first inning. The team responded with three runs in the bottom of the third and added another in the sixth to secure the win.
On the mound, Jase Seltzer pitched a dominant seven innings, allowing only three hits while striking out six batters to earn the victory. Alex Polombo closed out the game, pitching the final two innings to secure the save for Misericordia. The pitching duo effectively shut down Manchester’s offense, allowing the Cougars to maintain their lead and secure the 4-2 victory.
Wilkes University Secures Victory Over Albright
Wilkes University also enjoyed success in Florida, defeating Albright College 7-3. The Colonels, like Misericordia, battled back from an early deficit, answering two runs allowed in the top of the first with four runs in the bottom of the second.
Jack Smale, Michael Sabella, and Jacob Cambria each hit a double for Wilkes, showcasing the team’s offensive power. Matthew Show added a triple to the Colonels’ hit total. Smale finished the game with two RBIs, while Sabella, Jack Veith, and Cambria each recorded two hits. Show and Cambria both scored two runs, contributing to Wilkes’ offensive output.
Zachary Lloyd pitched 5.2 innings, striking out four batters to earn the win. Wilton Abreu finished the game, pitching the final 2.1 innings to secure the save for Wilkes. The Colonels’ pitching staff effectively contained Albright’s offense, allowing Wilkes to maintain control and secure the 7-3 victory.
Mixed Results for Misericordia Softball
Misericordia’s softball team faced a more challenging day, suffering a 3-1 loss to John Carroll University and a narrow 7-6 defeat against the University of Dubuque. In the game against John Carroll, the Cougars struggled offensively, managing only one hit – a single by Mackenzie Fizer, who also scored Misericordia’s lone run in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The second game against the University of Dubuque saw Misericordia’s bats come alive with nine hits, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Gianna Foreman led the offensive charge with a home run, finishing with two hits and three RBIs. Bridget Doherty and Kiersten Tinio each contributed with two hits and one run scored.
Wilkes Softball Continues Undefeated Streak
Wilkes University’s softball team continued its impressive start to the season, securing two more victories – a 5-1 win over Bay Path University and an 8-0 shutout against St. Elizabeth University – improving their record to 4-0.
In the win against Bay Path, Mia Butka had two hits, including a triple, and scored two runs. Abby Williams led the team with three hits and two RBIs, while Samantha Petersen added two hits and one RBI. Talia Piragas contributed a single and scored two runs. Lauren DeMarco pitched a complete game, allowing only three hits to earn the win.
Against St. Elizabeth, Wilkes dominated with a strong offensive performance. Piragas, Maddy Maloney, and Hana Cross each hit a double. Butka had two hits and three RBIs, and Cross finished with two hits and two runs. Butka also earned the win on the mound, allowing six hits in five innings with four strikeouts.
Both Misericordia and Wilkes University will continue their spring training trips in Florida and South Carolina, respectively, with further games scheduled throughout the week. The teams will look to build on their successes and address areas for improvement as they prepare for the upcoming regular season. Further updates on game schedules and results can be found on the respective university athletics websites.
As both baseball and softball seasons progress, fans can expect continued coverage of these local teams and their performances. Stay tuned for further updates as the spring season unfolds.
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